Today
Notre Dame will play for the right to win the National Championship. It
still really hasn't sunk in even as I hear and see all the hype on ESPN
and ABC. Since my junior year at Notre Dame (1988 - last ND national
championship), I've pretty much managed to see, listen or at least
follow on-line every Notre Dame football game. Following most games --
maybe right at the end or even a few days later -- I'd also have a
conversation with my Dad regarding the team's performance. Every
discussion had some element of criticism (usually on my part) because
it's been a neverending quest to be #1 again. Most of the time my Dad
was changing the subject as I tended to be relentless on the coaches and
play-calling -- he typically responded with "so how come you are on
your couch and not out there on the sideline?!?". Yes, ND football was
the centerpiece of our father-son chats over the last 20 or so years.
Not really a surprise considering my Saturdays since I can remember are
full of memories in front of our family room television or actually
going to the game with him. This season, while I am sadly not able to
have those conversations, I am convinced he is waking up the echoes of
Rockne, Gipp, Leahy and others to squash my criticism in a very
convincing manner....and with a big smile on his face. Let's beat those
Trojans, Diamond.
I guess even an engineer can write eloquent words from the heart!!
